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Giant Panda Habitat Conservation: The China Panda Project
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Join us this spring for a singular opportunity to conduct field studies in the habitat of the giant panda in the wildlands of China. At one time ‘panda country’ spread across much of southern China. Today, only about 2000 giant pandas survive in the wild, restricted to the mountain ranges along the eastern rampart of the Tibet Plateau. Recently, however, a network of wildlife reserves has been developed to protect the remaining populations of giant panda. The Chinese government and local mountain populations are deeply invested in wild panda habitat conservation, developing migration corridors to connect the panda reserves and converting hill agriculture to panda-friendly habitat. These habitat conservation efforts benefit not only the wild pandas but numerous other rare species of plants and animals, making this the perfect environment for us to take part in efforts to protect the Giant Panda.
THE PROJECT
Through this project we will become intimately familiar with the giant panda’s mountain habitat and the conservation efforts taking place both in the backcountry and at the panda centers. Although pandas are extremely rare, and we will likely not encounter pandas in the wild, we will have direct interactions with giant pandas during a short volunteer opportunity at one of Sichuan’s panda centers, providing firsthand insights into panda behavior and ecology that can be had no other way. Our volunteer work at the breeding center will put us in tou
ch with giant pandas, focus our attention on the science of panda conservation, and monitor progress toward the ultimate goal: reintroduction of giant panda into the wild.
When we depart the panda center, we will spend the remainder of our time in the high mountain habitat of the wild panda. Here, we will conduct ecological surveys through a series of backcountry excursions ranging in length from a few days to a week or more. This field study will take us into regions containing habitat suitable for giant pandas and other wildlife species significant to conservation, such as takin (whose closest living relative is the musk ox), red panda, rare pheasants and other forest birds. Our springtime visit to panda country will coincide with breeding season for the birds of the region, and the flowering for the estimated 200+ species of rhododendron that grow in the mountains of Sichuan.
During our survey, we will pursue and record evidence of wild mammals, including giant pandas, and make quantitative habitat assessments. Toward the end of the program, team members will evaluate strategies for panda habitat conservation as developed by international organizations like World Wildlife Fund, Chinese organizations, and local experts. Through our China program we will gain firsthand experience conducting ecological surveys in one of the world’s most magnificent, mountain ecosystems. By the end of the project, each of us will have acquired direct experience with giant pandas, an understanding of their ecology, behavior, and habitat needs, and practical experience with conservation management in China, one of the world’s most dynamic, rapidly changing societies.
The on-site In-country Fee is $2200 (approximately)
Read the Full Project Description
PROJECT LEADER
Chris Carpenter is a conservation scientist who has conducted field studies and led natural history expeditions in Asia for many years. His teaching experience with Wildlands Studies includes China, Nepal, and Southeast Asia.